OPIC Workshop in Charlotte Draws More Than 65 Small Businesses

OPIC Offers Financing and Political Risk Insurance to Support American Businesses Looking to Expand into Emerging Economies Worldwide

Charlotte, NC – The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) drew more than 65small businesses and entrepreneurs from North Carolina and neighboring states to its Expanding Horizons small business workshop in Charlotte on Tuesday, September 12. Since 2006, this outreach program has held over 40 events throughout the United States and educated about 5,000 American small businesses on the resources available from OPIC to help them compete in the global marketplace.

OPIC is the primary federal agency helping small businesses gain footholds in emerging markets through investment. Businesses attending the Expanding Horizons seminars and workshops learn the details of OPIC’s financing and political risk insurance, as well as have an opportunity to have one-on-one meetings with OPIC staff.

OPIC outlined the innovative financing and political risk insurance products it offers to help U.S. businesses successfully invest in emerging markets. Other supporting organizations at the workshop included North Carolina’s Small Business and Technology Development Center.

Since 1971, OPIC has helped U.S. businesses of all sizes expand in emerging markets, and the Agency is currently open for business in more than 160 countries. OPIC has supported nearly $200 billion of investments and operates on a self-sustaining basis at no cost to American taxpayers. All OPIC projects must adhere to best international practices and cannot cause job loss in the United States. To date, OPIC has provided $1.1 billion in support to North Carolina businesses investing in emerging markets.

The next Expanding Horizons workshop is September 19 in Oakland, California. Details and registration are available at www.opicevents.com.

###

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is a self-sustaining U.S. Government agency that helps American businesses invest in emerging markets. Established in 1971, OPIC provides businesses with the tools to manage the risks associated with foreign direct investment, fosters economic development in emerging market countries, and advances U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities. OPIC helps American businesses gain footholds in new markets, catalyzes new revenues and contributes to jobs and growth opportunities both at home and abroad. OPIC fulfills its mission by providing businesses with financing, political risk insurance, advocacy and by partnering with private equity investment fund managers.

OPIC services are available to new and expanding businesses planning to invest in more than 160 countries worldwide. Because OPIC charges market-based fees for its products, it operates on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to taxpayers. All OPIC projects must adhere to best international practices and cannot cause job loss in the United States. ​​​​​​​